SUNSHINE PSYCHIATRY · MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES

Panic Attacks: What to Notice and When to Seek Help

Patient education · October 30, 2026 · Fort Myers & Bonita Springs

You are standing in a checkout line when your heart starts racing. You feel lightheaded, your chest tightens, and you want to leave immediately. Even after the feeling passes, you may worry about going back.

Experiences like this deserve attention. A healthcare professional can help determine whether panic, another health condition, or a combination of factors is involved.

Recognize the experience without diagnosing yourself

A panic attack is a sudden episode of intense fear or discomfort. It can include a pounding heartbeat, shaking, sweating, nausea, dizziness, or difficulty breathing. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) explains that attacks may happen unexpectedly and can be followed by fear of another episode.

New or severe chest pain, fainting, or significant trouble breathing needs urgent medical assessment. Do not assume these symptoms are anxiety, even if you have experienced panic before. For a life-threatening emergency, call 911.

A panic attack does not automatically mean panic disorder

MedlinePlus distinguishes occasional panic attacks from panic disorder. An evaluation considers repeated unexpected attacks, ongoing worry, and changes in behavior, such as avoiding stores, driving, or being away from home. Clinicians also consider physical conditions and medication or substance effects that could contribute.

Tell the provider what happens afterward as well as during the episode. “I stopped shopping alone because I am afraid it will happen again” provides useful information that a symptom checklist might miss.

Make a short record you can bring to a visit

You do not need a perfect journal. A few notes can make the conversation more specific:

• Where were you, and what were you doing when the episode started?
• What did you feel first, and roughly how long did it last?
• Have you changed plans or routines because you fear another episode?
• What medications, supplements, caffeine, or other substances had you used?
• Have you already had a medical assessment for these symptoms?

For example, you might write: “Tuesday, grocery store, racing heart and dizziness; left my cart; avoided the store the next day.” Bring any relevant emergency or primary care records rather than relying on memory.

Ask about a plan for both attacks and the worry between them

NIMH describes psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy, and medication as treatment options for panic disorder. The appropriate approach depends on your health, preferences, and assessment. Ask which services your provider offers and whether a therapy referral would be helpful.

Useful questions include: “What else should be ruled out?” “What should I do if symptoms return?” and “How will we tell whether treatment is helping?” A written plan can also clarify when to contact the office and when to seek urgent care.

Frequently asked questions

Sources and further reading

• NIMH: Panic Disorder
• MedlinePlus: Panic Disorder

Sources consulted October 30, 2026. This article provides general education and does not replace an individual evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment plan.

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